The Sailing Foundation is pleased to welcome aboard Jonathan Kabak as Master of the Academy’s newest training vessel the 1929 Alden designed schooner Summerwind. A born and raised New Yorker, Jonathan has spent nearly two decades working in Sail Training and Sea Education, while sailing aboard a diverse range of vessels from historic schooners to a modern, purpose built oceanographic research brigantine. In between running Tallships, he has worked in the marine services and pollution response industries. When asked what his favorite job on the water has been he said, “Education under sail is what I love most!”
No stranger to the Academy, Jonathan first came to the Kings Point Waterfront while working at the South Street Seaport Museum as Captain of their restored national historic landmark 1893 schooner Lettie G. Howard. Working with the Department of Waterfront Activities staff, he developed an onboard training program as part of the two week Indoctrination for new students that focused on teambuilding for new Midshipmen. He has also joined KP staff when they have offered Safety at Sea training for the Newport Bermuda Race and the Storm Trysail Club’s Junior Sailing Program.
Most recently Jonathan was working for the Sea Education Association based in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, which offers semester college programs, aboard their square rigged training vessel the Corwith Cramer where he sailed as Chief Mate and taught Nautical Science. This year alone his voyages took him from St. Croix, USVI to Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. “Long ocean passages are the ideal time to turn the ship over to the students,” he said. “Not only do they learn the practical skills of seafaring like celestial navigation and sail handling, but they learn how to work together in an environment that is at the least challenging and at its worst unforgiving.”
We are excited to have not only a seasoned mariner joining our ranks but an accomplished and dedicated educator as well. “This position is a dream come true. It creates an opportunity to combine my passions for sailing, teaching and historic ships.” Look for opportunities to meet Jonathan and tour the Summerwind as she makes appearances at classic yachting events and boat shows throughout New England this coming summer.
Jonathan graduated Magna cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in History with High Honors from Franklin Pierce University. He holds a 500ton Ocean Master’s License for Steam, Motor and Auxiliary Sail. Currently he resides somewhere at sea and in Providence, RI with his wife Jennifer.
